10 Myths About Lightning

Even though being inside is far better than being outside during a lightning strike, you still want to keep away from things that conduct electricity indoors. Adrian Assalve/Getty Images

A home, building or other structure with four walls and a roof is better than a vehicle for riding out a storm because of the physical protection that it provides. That doesn't mean, however, that you're completely safe from lighting once your foot crosses the doorway. In fact, you should step as far away from the door – and any windows – as possible. These and other openings provide a space for lightning to invade the structure [source: NOAA].

It's also a very good idea to steer clear of anything inside the building that conducts electricity, such as landline phones, and electrical appliances. Because surge protectors don't protect against lightning strikes, try to unplug devices like televisions, computers and anything else attached to a cord. Even indoor plumbing and metal window and door frames are lightning conductors that can raise safety hazards during a storm. So if dark clouds and thunderclaps have forced you to cut that jog around the neighborhood short, you're just going to have to wait until it's over before you hit the shower [source: NOAA].